Columbus man accused of slaying elderly woman, concealing body in basement rug
A 31-year-old man from Ohio's capital stands accused of fatally attacking a 67-year-old woman inside her residence, then allegedly trying to sanitize the location before relatives uncovered the remains.
Ohio capital homicide: man, 31, charged after kin find senior dead beneath floor covering
Relatives seeking to check on a 67-year-old female relative made a horrifying find inside her south-side dwelling, prompting detectives to charge a younger male acquaintance with homicide.
David Holmes, aged 31, stands formally accused through Franklin County Municipal Court paperwork of one homicide offense in the passing of Randelle Bowman.
Authorities reached the Faber Avenue location shortly after midday Saturday. Responders observed clear physical injuries on the older female, who was pronounced lifeless roughly an hour later by medical teams.
Court filings reviewed by a local broadcaster reveal kin had sought official help after failing to reach Bowman. While waiting for uniformed officers, they spotted Holmes departing through the rear of the property and crossing onto neighboring land.
Once inside, officials discovered Bowman below ground level, wrapped inside carpeting, with a severe neck wound.
Records point to red flags during the preceding 48 hours.
A caretaker visiting the residence reported overhearing threatening language from Holmes directed at Bowman on Thursday. The following morning, an adjacent resident found it odd that Holmes accepted a meal delivery typically received by Bowman herself.
Concerned relatives visited Friday and found the entrance unsecured. They described Holmes as visibly distressed.
When asked about Bowman, Holmes allegedly stated she had stepped out. Kin noted her cellular telephone remained in the dwelling, something they said never happened when she left.
Holmes claimed he stayed away after Friday. Investigators, however, documented extensive blood traces throughout the interior alongside cleaning agents they believe were deployed to destroy evidence. Multiple nearly exhausted bottles of sanitizing liquid were recovered from Holmes' personal quarters.
Officers placed Holmes under arrest near the scene Saturday. Early findings by the municipal force suggest domestic abuse may have motivated the killing.
The inquiry remains active. Anyone possessing relevant information may contact the homicide division at 614-645-4730 or anonymous tip line at 614-461-TIPS.
Source: WSYX/ABC 6
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